National Drugs Strategy Household Surveys (NDSHS)

The use of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs is associated with increased risks of preventable disease, injury and mortality. Harmful use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs is a significant public health concern in Australia, as are its considerable impacts on economic and social participation. The National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) collects information on alcohol and tobacco consumption, and illicit drug use among the general population in Australia. It also surveys people’s attitudes and perceptions relating to tobacco, alcohol and other drug use. Survey findings relate mainly to people aged 14 years or older.

Declines were seen in use of some illegal drugs including ecstasy (from 3.0% to 2.5%), heroin (from 0.2% to 0.1%) and GHB (from 0.1% to less than 0.1%) in 2013 but the misuse of pharmaceuticals increased (from 4.2% in 2010 to 4.7% in 2013).

While there was no significant increase in meth/amphetamine use in 2013, there was a change in the main form of meth/amphetamine used. Use of powder decreased significantly from 51% to 29% while the use of ice (or crystal methamphetamine) more than doubled, from 22% in 2010 to 50% in 2013.

The NDSHS has been conducted every 2 to 3 years since 1985. The 2013 National Drug Strategy Household Survey collected data from nearly 24,000 people across Australia. The survey was conducted from 31 July to 1 December 2013. Roy Morgan Research was commissioned to conduct the survey fieldwork.